Above: A gazebo was constructed in memory of the late Marine Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard with the assistance of Debbie Meehan and members of the Woodbridge community. Reinhard, 25, was killed in January in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan a few weeks before his scheduled return home. Right: Cpl. Kevin Reinhard Way in Colonia has been named after the fallen Marine. PHOTO COURTESY OF EDDIE SANTOS, NEW JERSEY PHOTO STUDIO United States Marine Cpl. Kevin James Reinhard made the ultimate sacrifice on Jan. 19.
He, along with five other Marines, died when their helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan.
Reinhard, 25, was a crew chief for the heavy lift helicopter squadron, flying on a Sikorsky Sea Stallion with HMH 363 — the Lucky Red Lions — based out of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay.
The Woodbridge community, led by Debbie Meehan, editor of the Woodbridge and Colonia Corner newspapers, which monthly features local military personnel, banded together and raised over $10,000 to purchase a gazebo to remember Reinhard. “When Kevin was killed in Afghanistan, it broke not only the hearts of his family, but also the community,” she said. “The gazebo has been placed here today for his service to this country … let’s remember him every time we see it … and it is also a reminder that there are many men and women putting their lives on the line for the country.”
KATHY CHANG Meehan thanked the entire community for its help.
The gazebo was unveiled May 26 at the Charlie Shaughnessy Park on Inman Avenue in Colonia. The small strip of Inman Avenue along Jordan Road was renamed Cpl. Kevin Reinhard Way. His name is written in red, white and blue.
As Reinhard’s parents, James B. and Kathleen Rose, unveiled the street sign, they called it “beautiful.”
James said he and his family are at a loss of words in light of all the community support for their family. “Kevin would have loved this,” he said after they unveiled the street sign. Kathleen, with James by her side, thanked the crowd and community for the wonderful tribute to their son.
“Our lives were drastically changed Jan. 19 when a Woodbridge police officer and three Marines knocked on our door,” she said as her voice cracked. “The never-ending acts of kindness towards our family have continued being a tremendous help in easing our pain. It also validates the wonderful community we have … we will miss Kevin greatly.”
She named the other Marines who were killed along with her son, as well as another Marine who was killed in a helicopter crash in March.
“They are looking down on us in absolute amazement,” she said.
The Avenel Detachment Marine Corps League presented the colors, and a dozen or so white doves were released in memory of Reinhard. Paul DeLeo played the bagpipes and the Rev. Jim Thomas of the First Presbyterian Church in Iselin gave the invocation.
Councilwoman at Large Brenda Velasco presented a plaque to Reinhard’s parents displaying the U.S. Marines logo and motto.
Romano Peretti, a member of Colonia Veterans of Foreign Wars 6061 and a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, said the ceremony was very touching and heartwarming.
Janelle Fantell, along with her children, John, 15, and Gianna, 11, came to the ceremony with a sign that read “Forever in our Hearts— Corporal Kevin Reinhard — Our Hometown Hero.”
Fantell said she and her family met the Reinhard family after Kevin was killed.
“You hear about these kids dying every day, but Kevin was one of our own,” said Fantell with tears in her eyes. “We didn’t know Kevin, but when we heard about him, we needed to be here. We were at his funeral, we made this sign that we put in our truck, and we gave the family a teddy bear with the American flag. Kevin was so young and he was coming home soon … he should be home.”